Tuesday, September 22, 2009

As a fundamentalist Baptist or New Testament Christian, I understand Jehovah to be the divine name of the God of the Old and New Testament. Many Muslims may read this site and assume there to be one religion of Christianity, like several have assumed one religion of Islam. However, there are many religions of Christianity and many religions of Islam. So the question is more general “Is Allah the same as Jehovah”. Do these religions describe the same God? Some religious people would like to think so. Yet there has to be some reason for the violent divide that has lasted well over a thousand years. I want to look at the making of Islam not just with Muhammad but with Ishmael and his Arabic descendents then we will consider the Old and New Testament and how they interact with the Koran. Finally we will consider the theological formulas of Allah and Jehovah.

Origins) Abraham’s old family traditions
Jos 24:2 And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD[jehovah] God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.
Gen 11:28-29 And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees. And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.
0218 'Uwr {oor}
the same as 0217;; n pr loc
AV - Ur 5; 5
Ur = "flame" 1) city in southern Babylonia, city of the Chaldeans, centre of moon worship, home of Abraham's father, Terah, and departure point for the Abraham's migration to Mesopotamia and Canaan(strong's concordance)
Abraham comes from the background of the worship of the moon God “nannar” or “Sin”.
It was later that Abraham was called to move to the land of Canaan and served the on true living God Jehovah. The Question is: once Ishmael was abandoned, could his descendents return to paganism and worship of the moon?“Sin.-The moon-god occupied the chief place in the astral triad. It’s other two members, Shamash the Sun and Ishtar the planet Venus, were his children. Thus it was, in effect, from the night that light had emerged… In his physical aspect Sin-who was venerated at Ur under the name of Nannur-was an old man with along beard the color of lapis-lazuli. He normally wore a turban. Every evening he got into his barque-which to mortals appeared in the form of a brilliant crescent moon-and navigated the vast spaces of the nocturnal sky. Some people, however, believed that the luminous crescent was Sin’s weapon. But one day the crescent gave way to a disk which stood out in the sky like a gleaming crown. There could be no doubt that this was the god’s own crown: and then Sin was called “Lord of the Diadem”. These successive and regular transformations lent Sin a certain mystery. For this reason he was considered to be ‘He whose deep heart no god can penetrate’ … Sin was also full of wisdom. At the end of every month the gods came to consult them and he made decisions for them… His wife was Ningal, ‘the great Lady’. He was the Father not only of Shamash and Ishtar but also of a son Nusku, the God of Fire.” (Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology, 1960, p54-56)
The Idol of the Arabic people was the moon. The Myths would change but the Moon idol stayed the same. Many other groups would worship the sun. However for the Arabs the moon would be a natural choice since the heat of the desert would encourage them to be more active at night. What we should notice from the myth is that the Arabs believed that the crown and authority of God was symbolized by the crescent moon which we can see in the Muslim crescent moon today.

"The blood of the sacrificial animals brought by the pilgrims was offered to the deities in the Kaba and sometimes even human beings were sacrificed and offered to the God… Besides idol worship, they also worshipped the stars, the sun and the moon.” (Muhammad The Holy Prophet, HafizGhulam Sarwar (pakistan), p18-19,Muslim).
This must be remember that the Kaaba was most definitely an abominable pagan temple where animals and even people were slaughtered in demonic worship.
Hubal was the most worshipped of the idols in mecca and he would wear the crescent moon. Yet eventually Allah would come to the forefront.

“The more significance of the cult declined, the greater became the value of a genral religious temper associated with Allah. Among the Meccans he was already coming to take the place of the old moon-god Hubal as the Lord of the Ka’bah… Allah was actually the guardian of contracts, though at first these were still settled at a special ritual locality and so subordinate to the supervision of an idol. In particular he was regarded as the guardian of the Alien guest, though consideration for him still lagged behind duty to one’s Kinsmen,”(History of the Islamic Peoples Carl Brockelmann, p 8-10)
Here we see a passing of the torch from the god hubal to the god allah. “The god Il or llah was originally a phase of the moon god, but early in Arabian history the name became a general term for god, and it was this name that the Hebrews used prominently in their personal names such as Emmanuel, Israel, etc., rather than the Bapal of the Northern of the northern Semites proper which was the Sun. Similarly under Muhammad’s tutelage, the relatively anonymous llah became Al-llah, The God, or Allah, the Supreme Being.”(Southern Arabia, Carleton S. Coon, Washington D.C. Smithsonian, 1944, p.399)
Here we see there is some linguistic compatibility with the name Allah and the title of “moon god”.
Now we should keep in mind that the idol of the moon was a symbol of sovereignty. Hubal would be replaced by Allah well before Muhammad came to power. Why did this exchange take place? Because the names of the gods are based upon language and more importantly culture. Once the god “Allah” was worshipped it was a sign of Muhammad’s tribal superiority and national sovereignty.“At Mekka, Allah was the chief of the gods and the special deity of the quraish, the prophet’s tribe. Allah had threedaughters; Al Uzzah(venus) most revered of all and pleased with humansacrifice; Manah, the goddes of destiny, and Al Lat, the goddess of vegatable life. Hubal and more than 300 others made up the pantheon. The central shrine at Mecca was the Kaaba, a cube like stone structure which still stands though many times rebuilt. Imbedded in one corner id the black stone, probably a meteorite, the kissing of which is now an essentially part of the pilgrimage.”(Meet the Arab, JohnVan Ess, 1943, p.29.)

The Bible does forbid such acts.
Deu 4:19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole
Deu 17:2 If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,
Deu 17:3 And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;
Deu 17:4 And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and enquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel:
Deu 17:5 Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.

The chosen people)The Jewish people are a culture of people based upon faith.

Gen 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
The very initiation of the Jewish Race was Abraham’s faith that God would bless him with a chosen seed. That seed would spring forth through Isaac and oddly through Jacob.
Hab 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
The Jewish people were never a great people by natural means. They never became a vast empire. Israel at its peak under Solomon would soon split. They have been more oppressed than any other tribe and yet they have miraculously out lasted every empire. The only way to understand an orthodox Jew is by faith.

The Arabic people are a culture of slavery without faith.
Ishmael was outgrowth of Abraham’s adultery because he did not have faith in the promise of Jehovah. Isaac was the result Abraham’s faithfulness to his wife and faithfulness to God’s Covenant. Hagar was by profession Abraham’s slave. Sarah was his wife. These characteristics would be inherited among the children
Gal 4:21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
Gal 4:22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
Gal 4:23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
Gal 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
Gal 4:25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
Gal 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Gal 4:27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
Gal 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
Gal 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
Gal 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
Gal 4:31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
Ishmael was an outgrowth of Abraham’s adultery because he did not have faith in the promise of Jehovah. Isaac was the result Abraham’s faithfulness to his wife and faithfulness to God’s Covenant. Hagar was by profession Abraham’s slave. Sarah was his wife. These characteristics would be inherited among the children

Gen 16:4 And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
Gen 16:5 And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.
In many ways this bring us to the natural disdain between the Jews and Muslims. The Muslims are the offspring of infidelity and their only inheritance can be that which belongs to the Jews. The Arabs will always hate the Jews because the Jews are evidence of Arabic illegitimacy.
Gen 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thine hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
Gen 16:7 And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
Gen 16:8 And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.
Gen 16:9 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
Gen 16:10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
Here the Arabs are a curse for the Jews. Because do to the Jews infidelity the Muslims have captured the land promised to Abraham. While the Jews attained the Birthright, it is the Muslims, which have taken the Residence. It is still so to this day. The Arabs have grown to a powerful league of nations and the national religion is the among the largest in the world.

Gen 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
Gen 16:12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
The Arabic people have followed into Ishmael’s path. They were a core part of several of the ancient empires. Upon the Inception of Islam they quickly rivaled and nearly overcame the Roman Empire. It appeared that they would have the taken the Old Greek Empire of Alexander. Yet it was the curse of Ishmael, which humbled them. The Empire would quickly fall apart into royal power squabbles. Then later, Ghengis Khan slaughter them as they done the same to their enemies. In today’s time, we see that the Al Queda Jihad threats has killed vastly more Muslims than anyone else.

Gen 16:13 And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?
Gen 16:14 Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.
Gen 16:15 And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.
Gen 16:16 And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.
While the Lord indeed has heard Ishmael, He never gave Him the inheritance as he wanted.
Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

The Jews would be a free-people who God liberated from Egypt

Exo 20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Yet Ishmael only knows the lifestyle of slave and master. The people of slavery think the only escape from slavery is to conquer others. Yet if this is the only option then mastery is a form of slavery.
Jam 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
Jam 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Jam 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Jam 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Muslims may argue that they are separate from the world. But how can this be if they desire to conquer it? This is why Muslims can not truly escape evil.

Character)
Allah has thoroughly rejected the title “Father”. He doesn’t desire to relate to man apparently. I believe this is do to the relationship between Ishmael and Abraham. As a Unitarian deity Allah is a lonesome deity.

Pagan origins) Many know of the story of Muhammad and how he was an orphan who grew up in a rich Arabic family. His family was traditionally pagan and they would worship at a pagan temple in Mecca known as the Kaaba. Muhammad was influenced by Christians mostly of a catholic background. Muhammad after his marriage to kadesha would have dreams and visions. These visions inspired Muhammad to clear out the Kaaba of all idols.
Yet Muhammad would refer to God with the name Allah. Allah was the name of his Family idol. It was a moon God. Today all Arabs and Muslims return to Mecca to worship Allah, the same way they would come to the Kaaba. So the pilgrimage directly descends from the Arabic pagan past. We must not forget that even in the Koran Muhammad has a brief relapse into polytheism.
“Now tell me about Al-lat, Aluzza and Manat, The third one, another goddess. What! For you the males and for him the females! That indeed is an unfair division.” Sura an-Najm (star) 53:19-22
These are famously known as the Satanic verses. Muhammad’s famous biography (The Life of Muhammad) has an interesting excuse.

“Then God sent down ‘By the star when it sets your comrade errs not and is not decieved, he speaks not from his own desire,’ and when he reached His words ‘Have you thought of al-lat and al-‘Uzza and Manat the third, the other, Satan, when he was meditating upon it, and desiring to bring it. (sc. Reconciliation) to his people, put upon his tongue ‘these are the exalted Gharaniq whose intercession is approved.’ When Quraysh heard that, they were delighted and greatly pleased at the way in which he spoke of their gods and they listened to him; while the believers were holding that what their prophet brought them from their Lord was true, not suspecting a mistake or a vain desire or a slip, and when he reached the prostration and the end of the Sura in which he prostrated himself the Muslims prostrated themselves when their prophet prostrated confirming what he brought and obeying his command, and the polytheist of Qurash and others who were in the mosque prostrated when they heard the mention of their gods, so that everyone in the mosque believer and unbeliever prostrated… “Then Gabriel came to the apostle and said “What have you done Muhammad? You have read these people something I did not bring you from God and you have said what he did not say to you. The apostle was bitterly grieved and was greatly in fear of God. So God sent down (a revelation), for He was merciful to him, comforting him and making light of the affair and telling him that every prophet and apostle before him desired as he desired and wanted what he wanted and Satan interjected something into his desires as he had on his tongue.” The Life of Muhammad pg.165-166

Alberto Rivera’s story) Alberto Rivera is certainly a controversial figure. Alberto was a bishop in the Jesuit school of Catholicism. He had partaken in many years of espionage for the Vatican as well as research the Vatican library for several years. In the adult comic book “The Prophet” published by Jack Chick, Alberto makes the claim that Roman Catholicism was instrumental in the set up and design of the Islamic religion helping to prop up the prophet Muhammad. This was their rational.
a. To gain influence over the vastly populated pagan Bedouins
b. To set up a militant army without direct links to Catholicism in order to destroy its enemies
c. To take out eastern orthodox rivals
d. To take out Donatist (north African Christian) rivals
e. To conquer Jerusalem
Yet admittedly the RCC lost control of these armies who the sought out conquering the Holy Roman Empire. At which point the Pope wage the crusades against the Muslims.
Now this author has accepted Alberto’s controversial testimony since his accounts have always been able to line up with my knowledge of history and church history. However, this report is slightly different since it is based upon his research and not personal testimony. I think that the Vatican could have magnified it’s role in the records from there admittedly secret perspective. Not to be confused with the churches official position; of having nothing to do with it.
Muhammad was a patriotic Arab, I think He wanted to set up an Empire which would eventually conquer Rome. Rome probably had planned to prop up this religion and they probably financed the Muslims which explains their rapid ascent to power. However, they did not have the influence, which they desired over Muhammad.
I believe Catholicism did influence the start of Islam for the following reasons.
A. Most “Christians” Muhammad was exposed to were in fact catholic.
B. The idea of Kadesha as a nun prior to meeting Muhammad is not outlandish since there is mystery concerning her early life and why an older woman would marry a young man and push him as a prophet.
C. Why would Kadesha’s cousin Waraqah who was a literate Christian and most likely Catholic not want muhammad to be first Baptized before he was anointed a prophet? Or at least being baptized a Christian at all? If the church did not want another religion started then why would these Catholics be so supportive of a virtually pagan prophet?
Intro. C32 “ …She went and consulted her cousin Waraqah, a devout worshipper of Allah in the faith of Christ, Learned in spiritual lore. He listened and with her rejoiced that he Muhammad was Allah’s Chosen one to renew the faith.”
D. The Koran does have an awkward over-emphasis of Mary. This is odd especially since they deny the sonship, deity, crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ.
E. While Medieval Catholicism and Islam were socially and theologically different they are politically identical. They are empire religions, which take from Old pagan traditions of their culture and push an exclusive monotheism and theocracy.
F. Islam did accomplish a strong military in rapid speed.
G. Islam focused on Catholicisms enemies and defeated exactly who was threatening them at the time.
It is said by Alberto that the Vatican and the Ayatollah’s have enough evidence on each other to destroy both faiths. So the two have sought a general peace.

Prophecy)
The Ishmaelites were not faithful to the God of the Bible, but instead worshipped pagan deities. Such as the moon god Allah. The Arabs were a pagan people and Muhammad was a pagan Arab who was never baptized. Before one can be accepted as a prophet, Muhammad should be capable of showing that he has authority to be a prophet. The Torah has very clear directions on how to recognize a prophet.
Deu 13:1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,
Deu 13:2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;
Deu 13:3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Deu 13:4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.
Deu 13:5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

Here it is obvious that a prophet must recognize the true God Jehovah, regardless of whether or not they perform miracles. (LORD is another word used in place of Jehovah) If Allah is not truly equivalent to Jehovah then Muhammad must be a false teacher.
Deu 18:9 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
Deu 18:10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.
Deu 18:11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
Deu 18:12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Deu 18:13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.
Deu 18:14 For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
Another feature of the Old Testament is that they are to be unique and holy in opposition to the practices of the surrounding pagan nations. This could be a disqualifying factor since the Arabs had practiced paganism.

Deu 18:15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
Deu 18:16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.
Deu 18:17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.
Deu 18:18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
Deu 18:19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
Deu 18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
Deu 18:21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
Deu 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
The Koran makes the claim that Muhammad is the Prophet of Bible Prophesy. However though Ishmailites are distant relatives they are not the Jews brethren. They are of Abraham, but not Abraham,Isaac and Jacob.

Not only this but the NT has several directions on how to recognize prophecy.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
1Ti 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
1Jo 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1Jo 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
1Co 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
If Christ really were a prophet, it would be obvious that His Word would be true and the prophets after him would be Christian.
Muhammad however claims a pagan background and there is no record of His Baptism. Jesus was both baptized and circumcised; He followed the Law of the Old Testament make it appropriate to initiate the new Covenant.
Muhammad appropriate contact with Christians, since he was not a Jew or a Christian it is obvious that he was not qualified to be a prophet. Also the question remains as to what prophecies did he fulfill?Relations)
Ishmael was abandoned by His Father Abraham. In like manner muslims have a distant relationship to Allah. Because Allah has no children
Surah 6:101 “To Him is due The primal origin of the heavens and the earth: How can He have a son when he have no consort? He created all things, and he hath full knowledge of all things.”
Surah 9:30 “The Jews call ‘Uzayr[ezra] a son of God, and the Christians Call Christ the Son of God. That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate What they unbelievers of old use to say. Allah’s curse be on them; how they are deluded from the Truth!”
For Muslims who are interested they should read my article “What the Bible teaches on the incarnation”

Sin and Forgiveness

In the Old Testament it was essential to have a sacrificial system.
Sin started in the very beginning and sin has always had the price of death.
Gen 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
Gen 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The only way for the penalty of sin to be paid is with the shedding of blood.
Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Lev 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
We know that all have sinned because of death.
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Psa 14:2 The LORD[jehovah] looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
Psa 14:3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Ecc 3:20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
This acknowledge in the introduction to the text“C.3 -But, created though he was in the best of moulds, Man fell from Unity when his Will was warped, And he chose the crooked path of Discord”"koran"

Substance)
1Jo 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Exo 3:6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
While it is true that Jehovah and Allah are both one in essences. Jehovah however is three persons instead of one.

Christ and why this effects how we know God)
Psa 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
Psa 2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Psa 2:9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
Psa 2:10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
Psa 2:11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Psa 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The Holy Bible is clear that the way of knowing the Father is by knowing the Son.
Joh 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
1Jo 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Where did the Holy Ghost Go?
The Muslims teach that Muhammad was the fulfillment of the Bible prophecy that has been traditional attributed to the Holy Spirit.
Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
If Muhammad fulfilled this prophecy it would be false. The Apostles never met Muhammad. Instead Muhammad did not come for 700 years the Christians would have been abandoned by God.
Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Joh 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Muhammad fails here as well, he did not have faith in Jesus because to him Jesus was another man.
Joh 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Joh 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
Joh 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
If Muhammad were the Spirit of Truth, then why are his followers allowed to break covenant with non-muslims? Once again how can Muhammad guide the apostles in “all Truth”?
Joh 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Joh 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Joh 16:16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
How has Muhammad glorified Christ? HE has stripped him of every title except for prophet. The only miracle left to him is only his birth. He has not glorified but humiliated.
This claim fails miserably after all Jesus elsewhere discusses the Holy Spirit.
Joh 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Joh 15:27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
First we see the word proceed from the Father, this means coming directly from God. Yet Allah has no children according to the Koran. So if Muhammad proceeded from the Father then it would contradict the Koran.

The Bible’s teaching concerning the Arabs
“When the Lad was grown up, he married a wife by birth an Egyptian, from whence the mother was herself derived originally. Of this wife were born to Ismael twelve sons: Nabaioth, Kedar, Abdeel, Mabsam, Idumas, Masmaos, Masaos, Chodad, Theman, Jetur, Naphesus, Cadmus. These inhabited all the country from the Euphrates to the Red Sea, and called it Nabatene. They are an Arabian nation, and name there tribes from these, both because of the diginity of Abraham their father.” Flavius Josephus the Antiquity of the Jews. Chapter 12.4

The twelve princes
1. Nebajoth)”heights” father of Nabateans, his sister married Esau who start the Edomites.
2. Kedar) “dark” father of northern Arabic bedouins. Nomadic tribes known for their black haired tents.
3. Adbeel) “chastened of God”
4. Mibsam) “sweet odour”
5. Mishma) “a hearing”
6. Dumah) “silence” A tribe living near Judah. Probably intermingled with Esauas descendents making the Edomites.
7. Massa) “burden” The land of this tribe would be the place where Israel tempted God, and Moses struck the rock..
8. Hadar) “honour”
9. Tema) “desert”
10. Jetur) “enclosed” warred with Israel east of Jordan. Tribe also known as Ituraea.
11. Naphish) “refreshment”
12. Kedemah) “original” an eastern tribe.

One may noticed that Arabic Region was named after Nabajoth (nabatene). This shows the different path of the Arabic family than the Jewish tribes. The Arabs were a very natural people. They lived a life that did not require faith.
Ishmael was not the only father of the Arabs, sense Esau’s descendents married into many tribes. Esau also brought a family reputation.
Heb 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
Heb 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Abraham’s unfaithful descendants wanted a birthright which they unintentionally had already given away. Their envy of the jews would only sink them farther.
Psa 83:3 They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.
Psa 83:4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
Psa 83:5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:
Psa 83:6 The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;
Psa 83:7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;
Psa 83:8 Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.
Psa 83:9 Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison:
Psa 83:10 Which perished at Endor: they became as dung for the earth.
Psa 83:11 Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:
Psa 83:12 Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession.
Psa 83:13 O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind.
Psa 83:14 As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;
Psa 83:15 So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm.
Psa 83:16 Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD.
Psa 83:17 Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:
Psa 83:18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.
There is a curse upon the Arabic/Islamic people. They have conspired against the Jews and have been unfaithful to God. As long as they do not recognize Jehovah, they will always be a curse unto themselves. Why else has the Ismaelite been so gifted with money, ancestry and power and yet so pathetic at doing anything with it? The largest religion, the highest price commodities, the most militant tribes; yet the majority of Muslims across the world are considered third world. Why do the Christian nations not have people who want to immigrate to Muslim nations? Because Islam is curse and they do not know their father Jehovah. Muslim people are like the prodigal son.
Luk 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Luk 15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
Luk 15:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
Luk 15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
Luk 15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
Luk 15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
Luk 15:16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
Luk 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
Luk 15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
Luk 15:19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
Luk 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
Luk 15:21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
Luk 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
Luk 15:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
Luk 15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Luk 15:25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
Luk 15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
Luk 15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
Luk 15:28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
Luk 15:29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
Luk 15:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
Luk 15:31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Luk 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
The children of Ishmael and followers of their idol Allah have spent their inheretance upon a dying world. They claim to be rich, and yet are quite poor. They know they have sinned against Jehovah. They know they have spilled rivers of blood from the Jews and Christians. They may think that God the father would know longer take them in. Yet the Lord Jehovah loves them and would gladly take them back. But Jehovah would not simply want the Muslims to come to Him as a slave. Jehovah desires to adopt the Muslims into his kingdom. To give them the inheritance that they strove for as a gift instead of a trophy. Many “Christians” have born ill-will towards Muslims. Yet it is these Christians who have been on the side of the Father and yet so caught up in their works that they never enjoyed the inheritance of salvation that was offered to them.
Those who are true children of the Lord long to be united with Arabs and Muslims in the Holy Family of Jehovah. If only they knew Jehovah’s desire to redeem them. If only they knew that Christ did not come to simply condemn the world.
Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

In the final analysis Muhammad was an idealistic but troubled man. Muhammad unlike the Biblical prophets was unsure as to whether the spirits, which visited him, were angelic or demonic. After doing the research for this book a highly doubt that Muhammad really ever read the New Testament. How else could any one be confident that Jesus was a prophet and at the same time deny his main prophesies concerning himself as the Son of God and the Resurrection? Muhammad was illiterate and his followers wrote his sacred book. In the end Muhammad was as fatherless as Ishmael worshipping a lesser light and never being capable of reaching that which is the true light.
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Joh 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Joh 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Believe in Christ and you will be saved.(John 3:16-18). Also feel free to read my other articles specifically "are you sure?"
Any questions feel free to email me at mslv4gd@yahoo.com
In Christ,
Bro. Matt

Monday, September 14, 2009

There are a series of lies that flow through Christian communities in order to stifle the cause of Christ. Here are some of the most destructive examples.

I. The great Commission was previously fulfilledMat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.Mar 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. One of the Greatest lies that Satan has been able to perpetuate is this very doctrine. To explain away the great Commission is to effectively cut off the gospel. This lie can achieve what the ancient empire’s Rome Islam and communism failed to do. That is to cut off the gospel. Evangelism is central to salvation.Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

II. Spiritual gifts have ceasedAct 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.1Co 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;Rom 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;Rom 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.Rom 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.1Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit. In my personal ministry I have shied away from sensational displays of the gifts of tongues and other supernatural manifestations of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit will always bring humility as opposed to pride. Yet a lie of equal strength in the church is that God is somehow less apart of our lives than that of the Apostles of New Testament Christians. Though I believe that office of the Apostles as inspired authors was unique to the Christian experience. The apostles were always careful to remind us of their mortality and humble place.Act 10:25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.Act 10:26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.Act 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: The phenomena of spiritual gifts is a double edged sword. It is feared by church leaders because it denotes authority. But at the same time could it be that the clergy take too much authority anyway? Certainly church authorities who are rightly ordained should be respected. And many church members may use the Spirit’s name in vain. Yet even the apostles were too quick to take to attack servant competiton. Mar 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.Mar 9:39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.Mar 9:40 For he that is not against us is on our part. We must remember that we have been given the gifts so that we can give the gospel all over the earth.Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

III. We do not ask Jesus in our heartsEph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,Joh 7:36 What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?Joh 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.Joh 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.Joh 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. I have heard professor scoff at evangelist over the notion of Jesus being in one’s heart. Yet the scriptures have taught this from their inspiration. We do have a personal relationship with Christ . And never let a religious heathen tell you otherwise.IV. We are born savedRom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:Psa 51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.Psa 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Sadly everyone is born a sinner. We are by nature Children of wrath. While I believe that Christ atonement will save babies incapable of understanding the gospel (read my article “babies elected”). Infants are in a stage where they will eventually sin when the opportunity is given. All of us through Adams sin are destined for Hell. So every competent thinking person must hear the gospel of salvation. Otherwise there is only one destination.

V. God will save people without the gospelJoh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.Joh 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

VI. Some prayers can not be answeredJoh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. Satan has used this lie many times to hinder our prayer life. Now it is true that God may not answer prayers that are against His Will. But if it is according to “His Will” in other words in “His Name” then He will answer them, period. Some may argue that God is only going to answer prayers that are according to predestination. The Bible doesn’t say this. It says He will answer our prayers. Mat 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Here we see that faith is a major requirement to answered prayers. Now God may answer prayers in different ways and they have to be according to His moral will. Yet your prayers will be answered according to scripture. Also God’s knows your prayers from the Beginning of time. Therefore He has already planned to answer them if they are given.

VII. We do not need to interpret the Bible literallyHab 2:2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Satan uses many religious authorities push this idea. Because if Christians do not take the Bible literally they will need an interpreter and the Christian Pharisees can take over from there.

VIII. We do not need to follow the Bible literally

Deu 30:11 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.Deu 30:12 It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?Deu 30:13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?Deu 30:14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.Mat 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Every word in the Bible came from God. We can only hope to enjoy it’s treasures if we submit to it without molesting the meaning. Now it is true that there are going to be metaphor’s and phrases that all Bible believers do not agree upon; but the meaning will only be found if we properly understand the grammar and historical context of the writing combined with spirit filled faith and illumination. When people say they believe the Bible literally they are supposed to understand that they need to read it according to its context. Only when you understand the context can you follow the Bible. When I give my church the title “New Testament” I am not saying that I do not believe in the Old Testament. What I am saying is that the New Testament most directly applies with how I will follow God. There are a few things in the gospel that I must interpret based on the 2nd have of the NT but it all applies. The Old Testament is all-true yet is more focused upon the Jews and the Nation of Israel. As a result the constitution of a biblical Church should be the New Testament. That being said, the Bible is reliable on all matters of faith and practice. Yet many churches are all talk when it comes to practices. When ever the church has to make a decision whether between elders or atA business meeting how often do you see the scriptures used? In churches of my experience the scripture are kept to the preaching and away from the action.

IX. The Pastor has the final word on how to interpret the BibleGal 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, Gal 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;2Pe 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.2Pe 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.2Pe 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. If we are living in the last days (and we are!) then we know many false teachers and prophets have taken over churches we must test our preachers consistently to make sure they are being faithful to the scriptures. Now do not get me wrong, the pastor is the leading earthly person of the local church. However if the Pastor crosses the directions of the Holy scriptures then he must be put in his place by the congregation. I believe one of the major problems in Christianity is pastors are trained by seminaries and little by churches. Seminaries may be able to provide a high education but they are unscriptural. The New Testament Church defeated the pagan Roman Empire without a single Seminary. While Seminaries were good tools for the clergy, they also became tools of the devil. A New Testament Church is based upon regenerate church membership. But Seminaries do are based upon academic performance. Even at Baptists institutions this is often the case. Baptist institutions will ask students to give a testimony upon entry. Yet these must not be taken seriously. I remember one year at Bible College a student getting saved in their second semester, also there was a small handful who would eventually go apostate. Seminaries have the ability to lose their core values and have over the last two centuries left the faith quickly. We must make sure that our ministers are more closely aligned to local church and it’s teachings than whatever schooling it receives from the seminary or university.The bible teaches very clearly.1Ti 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. Local churches need to take this as their responsibility. They cannot leave it to para-church ministries or schools. God made churches responsible. Unfortunately, to be frank, most churches act like children and want to sit at the feet of any other group to receive truth. This is how liberal protestants and fanatic Charismatic/word of Faith doctrine has perverted modern Christianity. The local church(and hopefully you as a member ) need to not only be born again, but study to show yourself approved.

X. It is sinful to question the church2Ti 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.2Ti 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.Mat 23:2 Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:Mat 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. We have to be disciples in the faith and know the scriptures. It is only then that the church may be the pillar and ground of truth. Some may say that the church has authority in matters of faith. However if you have been born-again and properly baptized then you are part of the church. God may want you to correct some thing wrong in the Body. The church is not infallible, that is why Jesus had to correct the church.Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Here the church is threatened with loosing it’s (candle stick =light of Christ) thus proving that churches were and are quite fallible. The place I have seen this lie used to its most destructive end is where Satan has used church leadership to hinder the ministry and evangelism. If someone has it in there hearts to minister to a certain group of people or to evangelize the lost by sharing their testimony. It is not the church’s place to hinder them. Now it is true that the church should only endorse a teaching that is in accord with the New Testament teachings. However, churches must be very careful about abuse.

XI. We need permission from the church to follow Christ in ministryLuk 9:49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.Luk 9:50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.The problem with this argument hits on several levels. First the you should be a member of a church and therefore equal with various members spiritually.Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. If someone is ministering or following Christ in some capacity then it is a good thing. The Church is not the final authority Jesus is 1st through the word of God and secondly through the conviction of the Spirit. Now of course there is something to be said for church discipline and churches do ordain missionaries, elders, pastors and deacons. Act 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.Act 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.Act 13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.Now before anything else we see that the church must move according to the movement of the spirit. However this responsibility is limited to the church and the churches ministries. 1Co 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?1Co 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.So if a person is ministering before the Lord outside of the Church, it is not church business. Also we should notice that the only time the church really steps in is ethical or doctrinal controversy. The individual needs to be convicted by the Holy Spirit and edified by the scripture.

XII. Church discipline is judgmental What moron thinks that we are not able to judge? These people are morons because they can not judge me for calling them morons because that would make them judgemental hypocrites.1Co 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?1Co 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?Heb 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.Heb 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Churches discipline is a natural part of New Testament church life. Because Christians still sin and they need to stop. Since I started my Church every member including myself has needed to be disciplined. When this happened, they were corrected and chastened and forgiven. The New Testament Church must be a holy church and so it must train its members to be holy. Church discipline is these days an unheard of practice. Therefore, Christians are looking more like hypocrites day by day. Fornication is being more accepted and divorce is more common among Christians than pagans. Up to 50% of Pastors have admitted addiction to pornography. Come to Jesus, he won’t change your life at all! Churches need to make themselves accountable if they seek to follow God and acquire his blessings.

XIII. Church discipline is permanent2Co 7:8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.2Co 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.2Co 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.2Co 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.2Co 7:12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.2Co 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. The point of church discipline is restoration. It is not trying to paint people with the scarlet letter. This probably why church people don’t practice it anymore. Because they fear destroying someone permanently. Which they will still happily do, if it is a preacher in sin. The point of God’s chastening is to strengthen the back-slider. The same principle applies to church discipline our goal is a holy Church not a church with holes in it.

XIV. If you sin bad enough, God will stop loving youRev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Jesus washed all our sins away.Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, The only sin which can not be forgiven is Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. But many do not understand what this sin is. You can reject Christ and later repent. Yet if treat the Holy Spirit like the Devil then the Holy spirit will never be able to work on your heart. If you have been truly born-again then you the Spirit will give give you the fruit of faith in Christ and you will believe till the end. When you are his child, you will never be lost. Joh 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

XV. God has predestined people for HellMat 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: Unfortunately, the majority of the world will probably see the condemnation of Hell. But this is not the fault of God.2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. God did not predestined people to Hell otherwise Hell would have been creating for the reprobate. Condemnation is the response of God to man’s sin.Joh 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Now it is true that God foreknew everything. It is true that in God’s providence he has a divine plan. Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. The sinner is destined to hell but they are not pre-destined to Hell.1Pe 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. God does not predestine evil, he never tempts anyone to sin.Jam 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:Jam 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. God also provides all mankind an opportunity to be saved.Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.1Jo 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.1Ti 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.1Ti 4:11 These things command and teach. Remember if Jesus died for all men, then it is obvious that all men deserve to here the gospel of salvation!

XVI. God only wants a few people to be saved2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Now statistically speaking it is most like likely that only a small population of the world in our generation will accept Christ. However, that small remnant should be multiple millions! I have two-year-old church with a half a dozen members. Most meetings you go to there are about 3-4 present. Yet we have had 50-60 visitors. Plus, my Internet ministry has reach about two thousand people. I have taught or preached to about 1000 people before I started my church. So what I am saying is that even in humble circumstances we are capable of reaching many for Christ.Joh 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. All we do is preach the gospel. Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

XVII. God saves Christians regardless of their faithHeb 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.Heb 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Million of “Christians” will sadly burn in Hell. Because though they claimed faith. They had none. Our responsibility is not to our religion it is to God. And if you will not trust him he will not entrust you the kingdom.

XVIII. Belief in God proves a person is righteous enough to enter HeavenJam 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. While works can not get you to have faith in Christ is not really faith in Christ if you do no bear the fruit of good works.Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.Jam 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.Jam 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Some argue that New Testament Christians teach that Christians have a license to sin. Yet this is not the teaching of the gospel.Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?Rom 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Good works may not be source of salvation, but it is indeed the salvation. His death saves us and his resurrection gives us a new godly life. Those who know grace properly understand that they will become righteous because of it and not sinful. The love of God changes us. When a Christian lives in sin they are not receiving the love of God. When they receive the love of God in their hearts their hearts will change and they will desire godliness. Also Faith in the Bible is not merit. It is a key through which we access another righteousness from God.

XIX. Some Christians are spiritual some Christians are not.Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.Rom 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. If we have all missed the mark of salvation by works then we are all equally saved by grace. Then there is no cause for religious bigotry of the holy and unholy Christians. There is only one slight distinction of mature and immature Christians. Mature Christians have been able to use the grace of God effectively and enjoy the benefits of their salvation. Immature Christians struggle deeply with sin after they have been born again. Usually due to lack of discipleship, inexperience and foolishness; but these are not static categories. The mature can become immature and the immature may finally grow mature. We are all dependent on God and therefore we should not have any bias in the body of Christ.Jam 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.Jam 2:2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;Jam 2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:Jam 2:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?Jam 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?Jam 2:6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?Jam 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?Jam 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: Divisions in the spirit lead to division of how we treat each other. But this is not the way of Christ.

XX. It is up to the pastor to save soulsEph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: The point of the Pastor is to minister to the church.Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.Act 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.Act 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.Act 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.Act 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. So if the pastor is busy with the church, then who is responsible to witness to the lost for Christ? A: Everyone!

XXI. Salvation depends on the church you go to.Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Churches will be subject to the Judgement of God. Therefore how can they save?Joh 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.While church is essential for a healthy Christian living, salvation is promised through the gospel alone. If you trust/believe in the Jesus Christ taught in the gospel, then you may be saved.

Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. We have the apostolic authority squabbled over by bishops. We have the election fought over between Jews and GentilesGal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Not according to our works but a result of faith in the grace of Jesus Christ. He has adopted us to be royalty.

XXII. Salvation is based upon our baptism.Act 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.Act 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?Act 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Salvation is that which cleans the soul. Soap is that which cleans the flesh. The Devil wants people to do rituals which will make people think they are saved. But if this is all they have they will burn forever in Hell.

XXIII. Salvation is based upon our repentance and obedienceRom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Religion is the work of man. But salvation is the work of God. We do not have the righteousness to be saints. Yet Jesus has the righteousness to inherit the Kingdom of God.

XXIV. Salvation is based upon our confession of ChristMat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.Jam 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. Paul said our good works are like dung (animal crap). Only those who humble themselves will come to God and ask for salvation. If you think that your works give you the right to earn heaven you will be sadly mistaken. Also Faith is not a merit to earns gods favor. It is only a key to access the reward he is offering.

XXV. People are too busy to minister

2Co 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.2Co 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)2Co 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:2Co 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,2Co 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;2Co 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,2Co 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,2Co 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;2Co 6:9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;2Co 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. A minister of God is humble and will take up his cross to follow Christ. Many professional clergy will only give at a price; as if salvation was not enough. While wages are allowable, the ministers employment is based upon God’s holy calling and not upon his relationship to the congregation. IF there is no money their should still be ministry.

XXVI. Satan is defeated so he is no longer a problem for believers

1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:1Pe 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Sadly many Christians today do not believe in spiritual warfare. They even think it extreme to engage in such activity. While there are unbiblical charlatans who have in the past abused the activity of spiritual warfare. Spiritual warfare is the burden of any born again Christian. But how do we fight the devil? A cruxifix? Garlic?A: Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: It is the Bible with which we attack. What do we attack?2Co 10:2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;2Co 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Are battle is on-going and you must fight it everyday.Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

As a Christian you will have many attack you in the spiritual world. They will not relent. The only way to deal with your enemies is to give in or defeat them. All you can do is study the word of God, Pray to God for strength and put on the full armor of God. Remember God will not chastise you for obeying him. Whenever you do good for the name of Christ your only opposition is Satan. Now if you are a poor student of God’s word you may need to be corrected to see the truth. But if you are faithful to the scriptures; never back down to one of Satan’s pawn’s because greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world.

Friday, September 11, 2009

A Romanist rival has challenged me that the Bible teaches works based salvation.

I have defended the doctrine of Justification by grace through faith alone on many levels throughout this blog. I have an article treating this claim in the epistle of James and in the teachings of Christ.Most of the time passages are quoted based upon ignorance. A preacher of works will site thousands of passages without any mention of their context so that that a novice will be overwhelmed by the amount of verses sited so they will not read the Bible in context to find the answer.

The fact is the Bible needs to be interpreted in it’s context. Anyone who tries to overwhelm a person with quotes for their interpretation without providing a context or can explain their proof text beyond their argument then that person has proved themselves to be not of high authority. One thing many have noticed reading my articles is that they are very long and I provide very extensive quotes in order for a reader to gain a good grasp of the passages I mention as a proof text.The New Testament unfolds itself book by book. The revelation builds on to itself. You will notice matthew and mark are the earlier gospels and are not concerned with discussing the trinity in carnation or salvation. They are focussed upon the concepts that Jesus is the Messiah of OT prophecy and that He is the Son of God. It is John which had written his gospel years after the revelations of Paul, that is later concerned with the doctrine of God and salvation. Luke unveils for us the history of the early church and unveils the historical shift that went from the Jewish Church near the initial resurrection stages and shifts to Paul’s revelations concerning the gentiles.

The particular passage that has been brought to question the book of Romans. Romans is famous for it’s message of grace and salvation free from works.Rom 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

However the book of Romans has many verses which contradict a legalists interpretation.Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.Rom 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.Rom 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.Rom 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Also Paul elsewhere teaches grace based salvation.Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

2Ti 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Tit 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.Tit 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;Tit 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;Tit 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

So it would be wise to look at this passage in it’s context.Rom 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. In Chapter 1 Paul was concerned with the Judgement of the Gentiles. The gentiles had the excuse of ignorance, Yet Paul refuted teaching that we all have a natural revelation about the existence of God and morality through nature. If the Gentiles could be condemned through natural revelation then Jews were definitely condemned by way of Holy Scripture.

Rom 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. God is against all sins of all peoples.Rom 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?Here the Jew and the religious have been condemned by God because in recognizing the sin of their neighbors they have shown the sin in their own hearts.

Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?Rom 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

The legalist despises any mercy upon the heathen. Yet it is through this mercy that the Heathen is brought to repentance. The grace of God will always make a more righteous saint than any by-product of Man-made religion. Instead those who opposed grace grow in condemnation awaiting the wrath of God.

Rom 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

This is a clear warning against self-righteous religion which claims that good deeds makes sin acceptable. God will still punish sin.

Rom 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

The pagans would seek for these very things. Rom 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,Rom 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

Legalist begin to leave the truth of scripture and have a tendency to become angry and start fights. This only gathers the wrath of God.

Rom 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:Rom 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

Here the legalist has hope, at this point they want to drop the Bible and ignore the rest. Because God is fair and he will respect their good work. Unfortunately those of use who have read the next passage know.

Rom 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:Rom 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.Rom 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Hence the despair and anger in legalism.

Rom 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;Rom 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

Sin condemns all mankind those who worship idols for instance, are idolators no matter what religion they call themselves.

Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:Rom 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

The fact that others outside the faith are more righteous in certain areas proves that we are responsible for all our sins.

Rom 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.Rom 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,Rom 2:18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;Rom 2:19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

The legalist is always confident in there self-righteousness. They teach confidently their legalism wherever they go.

Rom 2:20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

Yet the legalist is only intelligent compared to the foolish.

Rom 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?Rom 2:22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?Rom 2:23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?Rom 2:24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.Rom 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

It is the teacher of legalism that dishonors God because they lead people in sin by their very example. How could a Catholic priest for instance successfully teach against alcohol when they drink it all the time? An alcoholic needs to stay away from this stuff and yet they are taught moderation any way.

Rom 2:26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?Rom 2:27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Religion is obliterated at this point. Why take sacraments if you can live righteously with out them. Organized religion is hereby null and void. Rituals will not be judged like actions (2:27-28).Yet Paul did not write chapters. He wrote a book. And the way of salvation will be clearly revealed.

Rom 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.Rom 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.Rom 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:Rom 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.